bet

bet¹

/bet/, v., bet or betted, betting, n.

v.t.

1. to wager with (something or someone).

v.i.

2. to make a wager: Do you want to bet?

3. you bet! Informal. of course! surely!: You bet I'd like to be there!

n.

4. a pledge of a forfeit risked on some uncertain outcome; wager: Where do we place our bets?

5. that which is pledged: a two-dollar bet.

6. something that is bet on, as a competitor in a sporting event or a number in a lottery: That horse looks like a good bet.

7. an act or instance of betting: It's a bet, then?

8. a person, plan of action, etc., considered as being a good alternative; choice: Your best bet is to sell your stocks now.

[1585-95; perh. special use of obs. bet better, in phrase the bet the advantage, i.e., the odds]

Syn. 1. gamble, stake, risk, hazard, venture, chance.

bet²

/bayt; bet/, n.

beth.

* * *